The article provides an overview of various respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, currently affecting the United States. It highlights the ongoing circulation of these viruses and the challenges in distinguishing between them based on symptoms alone. The piece emphasizes the importance of local wastewater data in predicting the prevalence of different viruses in a community. It also mentions the emergence of the BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant, which has been detected in 25 states, and discusses its potential impact on case numbers. The article further explores the ongoing flu season, noting the early surge driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant and the ongoing circulation of influenza B. It also touches on the high levels of RSV cases in certain states and the consistent presence of HMPV in wastewater data. Additionally, the piece highlights the prevalence of norovirus, which has been at high levels for months and caused outbreaks on cruise ships. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding local virus trends and the need for individuals, especially those at high risk, to consider getting boosters for COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
